Vol. 10, Issue 6, Part A (2025)

Author(s): Kiran Devkar, Balaji Ambore, Milind Meshram, Prashant Mhase, Sameer Jadhav, Satyawan Agivale and Gayatri Wankhede

Abstract: Out of 340 racing Khillarrnbulls examined, 104 (30.6%) were diagnosed with pneumonia. The disease was morernprevalent in younger bulls (1-3 years, 67.31%) than in older bulls (3-6 years,rn32.69%), with the highest incidence recorded in December (21.15%). Clinically,rnaffected bulls exhibited an increased respiratory rate (35.05±0.53rnbreaths/min), heart rate (82.80±1.23 beats/min), rectal temperature (102.29±0.08°F),rnand reduced rumen motility (1.90±0.16 contractions/3 min). Haematologicalrnanalysis revealed leukocytosis (15.07±0.76 × 10³/μl), neutrophilia (50.65±1.85%),rnlymphopenia (46.95±2.05%), and elevated cortisol levels (16.3±0.28 ng/ml),rnindicating systemic stress and infection. Biochemical analysis demonstratedrnincreased ALT (50.97±4.41 U/L) and AST (103.24±4.57 U/L), along withrnhypoglycemia (41.37±0.37 mg/dl), suggesting hepatic stress and metabolicrndisturbances. Radiographic findings revealed varying degrees of pulmonaryrninvolvement, including consolidation, interstitial, bronchial, and mixedrnpatterns. Bacteriological analysis identified Escherichia coli (40%) andrnKlebsiella pneumoniae (60%) as the predominant pathogens. Antibioticrnsensitivity testing indicated that Ceftriaxone-Tazobactam (67%) andrnfluoroquinolones (Enrofloxacin 60%, Ciprofloxacin 57%) were the most effectivernantimicrobial agents, whereas beta-lactam antibiotics exhibited lowerrnsensitivity. The therapeutic response was evaluated in two groups: Group Irn(Allopathic therapy based on antibiotic sensitivity testing with supportiverncare) and Group II (Homeopathic therapy with Bryonia alba 30C withrnsupportive care). Bulls in Group I demonstrated faster clinical recovery,rnnormalization of Clinico-haemato-biochemical parameters, and resolution ofrnradiographic abnormalities. Racing Khillar Bulls in Group II exhibited a slowerrnbut gradual improvement, supporting its role as an adjunct therapy.